Claressa Shields Set For PFL Return On August 27th. Following Successful MMA Debut

Mandatory Credit: Cooper Neil - PFL

Off the back of her successful professional mixed martial arts debut two weeks ago at 2021 PFL (Professional Fighters League) 4, Olympic gold medalist and boxing world champion, Claressa 'T-Rex' Shields is set to make her second appearance under the promotion's banner in just two months time.

The Michigan native met with Britney Elkin in her first professional mixed martial arts two weeks ago at PFL 4, and scored a third round ground-and-pound stoppage at the Atlantic City, New Jersey event. 

Per an initial report from reporter, Ariel Helwani, Shields is slated to make her next professional mixed martial arts appearance at a PFl event on August 27th at the Seminole Hard Rock in Hollywood, Florida. At the time of publication, an opponent for Shields' second fight has yet to be determined. As pointed out by Helwani, lightweight tournament victor, Kayla Harrison will feature on the same card in August if she prevails against Cindy Dandois on Friday at PFL 6.

"Claressa Shields' second pro MMA fight for PFl is set for Aug. 27, per promotion officials," Helwani reported. "Opponent TBD. Shields will not box between now and then. Coincidentally, if Kayla Harrison wins on Friday and advances to the playoffs, her next fight is also scheduled for that card."

Despite reigning supreme against Elkin, it wasn't completely plain sailing for Shields in the early stages of the bout, with the latter forcing Shields to the canvas on occasion and assuming top control with her grappling ability. However, in the third frame, Shields managed to assume top position from half guard herself, and after some notable ground strikes, stuck victory with a knockout win. 

Shields, a two-time Olympic gold medalist in boxing, struck gold at both the 2012 London summer Olympic games as well as the 2016 summer games in Rio de Janeiro. Shields also took home world championship gold in 2014 in Jeju and 2016 in Astana. 

A multiple-time world champion across three weight classes, Shields currently holds an undefeated 11-0 professional boxing record. In her most recent appearance in the squared circle, the 26-year-old scored a unanimous decision win over Marie Ever-Dicaire, retaining the WBC and WBO light middleweight titles, as well as winning the IBF, and WBA (super) light middleweight championships.